ND's Floyd could be great fit in supplemental draft

There's a chance the Bears could not select a receiver during the April 28-30 NFL draft or sign one during free agency and still land the prototypical No. 1 receiving threat they so desperately need.

Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly announced receiver Michael Floyd has been suspended indefinitely after he was arrested for driving under the influence in South Bend, Ind., early Sunday morning. It was his second alcohol-related arrest in 14 months, paving the way for him to enter the supplemental draft at some later date.

The Bears dipped into the supplemental draft last year when they surrendered a seventh-round pick in the upcoming April draft to select running back Harvey Unga, the all-time leading rusher in BYU history. If they are serious about upgrading their talent at receiver --- and Floyd is a major talent, folks --- they'll consider doing it again.

At 6-foot-3, 227 pounds, Floyd is Notre Dame's all-time leader in touchdown receptions despite missing nine games during his first three seasons because of injuries. Floyd had decided to return to Notre Dame for his senior year. With his eligibility in question, however, it may make more sense for him to go the supplemental route if the opportunity presents itself.

Floyd was a blue-chip recruit for the Irish and was a game-changer as a freshman and sophomore while catching passes from Jimmy Clausen. Inexperience at quarterback and the program's switch to Kelly's spread offense meant his numbers went down last season but he still took over games at times.

Floyd only received a third-round grade from the Draft Advisory Committee, which played a role in his decision to return to Notre Dame. Others believe he could be the third best receiver in the draft if he had declared himself eligible. Toss me in the latter category. I watched every game Floyd played for his first two seasons and think he would be an ideal fit for the Bears.

Selecting him in the supplemental draft could also mean the Bears get him for a bargain price. Most teams considered Unga a middle-round pick, for example, but the Bears picked him up in exchange for a seventh-rounder. If they could land Floyd for a second-or third-round pick or lower it would be a no-brainer as long as the Bears were convinced Floyd's run-ins with the law are behind him.